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2Introduction Adam Hayduk3rd year as the Vancouver Thunderbirds Executive DirectorPreviously Asst Hockey Coordinator at the Hollyburn MHA in West Vancouver, BC for 3 years12 years coaching experienceIncluding all levels of minor hockey (initiation, house, rep, and AAA), former Head Coach of Simon Fraser University Men’s team, and current assistant coach with the Delta Ice Hawks Junior B team6 years as a coach in the BC Hockey High Performance Program (U16 & U17 levels)HCOP Level 4 official - 13 years of officiating experience, including 5 years at the Junior and CIS levelsHCOP Course Conductor

4Team Selection Rep Tryouts – most contentious House Team SelectionsInitiation Team Selections

5Rep Tryouts VTMHA Rep Tryout Mission Statement“To challenge, motivate, teach, and inspire every Rep Hockey player to reach their unlimited potential by providing them with a well defined and structured program. To give each and every player the opportunity to be the best they can be by having an organization that is committed to professionalism, integrity, respect, and sportsmanship.”

6Rep Tryouts - CommunicationBefore current season endsSet standard and expectations in March for the coming season via letter or to parentsExpectation is that players come ready for tryouts and don’t use first sessions to get their skating legs backHarder and more competitive each season – come prepared!Provide dates of next season’s rep tryoutsAllows families to schedule hockey camps and vacations

7Rep Tryouts - CommunicationIn the summer (late July or early August)all families with specific dates and times when rep tryout sessions arePost information onlineProvide with phone numbers and addresses of people at the association that are available to field questions about tryouts.Frustrating for parents when they can’t get a hold of anyone over the summer months

8Rep Tryouts - CommunicationMid to late AugustMeeting with the Head Coaches and non-parent evaluatorsExplain to them the tryout processProvide schedule of ice timesSet expectationsNo excessive discussions and conversations with parents at the rink during tryoutsPolite “Hello” or “Sorry but I can’t talk now” is expected

9Rep Tryouts - CommunicationOnsite meeting with each divisions’ parent group on Day 1 of tryoutsWelcome everyone to another seasonOutline the rep tryout processIntroduce the evaluating committeeIntroduce the coaching staff or each rep team in that divisionOutline how tryout selections will be communicated with hard time lines associated with each round of selectionsInitial grouping posted online after 3rd tryout sessionFinal team selections handled by each team’s coaching staffDiscuss expectations of parents during first round of tryoutsAll communication or inquiries to be directed to VP RepKeep your distance from the evaluatorsLet parents know that evaluators aren’t being rude if they don’t enter into long conversations at the rink during tryouts

10Rep Tryouts - CommunicationOutline Player Feedback Process during tryoutsResults from 1st round of tryouts posted onlineParents must observe the 24-hour rule on the day after these announcementsOn the second day after these announcements, parents can call the VP Rep and request a “Feedback Exchange” meetingSuch a meeting happens on the 3rd day after the announcementMeeting will include our Director of Hockey Operations, VP Rep, the player, and one parent to observe the exchange of informationParents are there only to observe the exchange of informationIn 2008/09, only 4 out of 220 players took advantage of a meeting at this stage

11Rep Tryouts - CommunicationExplain the Appeal ProcedureOnly applicable if:The decision under appeal was influenced by bias;Irregularities in the process leading up to the original decision are such that an unjust result may have resulted; or,The decision was patently unreasonable.Taking a pound of flesh from the Director of Hockey Operations or Executive Director will not change the outcomeQuestions/AnswersWish everyone luck

12Rep Tryouts – THE PROCESSModeled after BC Hockey High Performance Program U16/U17Endorsed by Hockey CanadaAllows our players to become familiar with the processOne less thing to stress about when the time comes to tryout for U16/U17Tryouts conducted by a “Selection Committee”VTMHA Director of Hockey OperationsHead Coaches of teams in that divisionUp to 4 paid non-parent evaluators with hockey backgroundsIn 2008/09, VTMHA used UBC Men’s Varsity Team membersAll ratings are reviewed by the Executive Director and VP Rep after each session (and entered into a spreadsheet)

13Rep Tryouts – THE PROCESSTwo stages1st stage run by association and evaluating committee (approximately 7 days)2nd stage run by coaching staff(approximately 14 days)1st Stage3 sessions per player – must attend all three sessionsHeavily weighted in favor of scrimmages (85/15)Players are divided into four colour groupsEach ice time is with/against a different colour group to ensure a true tryout

14Rep Tryouts – THE PROCESSColour groups are done alphabeticallyFirst 6 defensemen on one team, next 6 on the other, and so on. Same steps for forwards and goalies until four equal groupings are createdTo make it easier on evaluators:Goalies have numbers on front and backDefensemen are numbered 2 to 9Forwards are numbered 10-99

15Rep Tryouts – THE PROCESSAt each ice session, every player is given a rating (1-5) by each evaluator:5An excellent elite-level playerPlayer executes effectively at position and within role on teamClearly outperforms counterparts at some position or on opposing teamsThis player had a lasting dominant effect throughout the campPlayer can definitely play and impact at this level4An above-average performanceGood plays and decisions clearly outnumber poor onesFactors not allowing performance to be a “5” might include: playing time lost to game circumstances, slightly skill deficiency compared to a “5”, and slightly inconsistent in terms of effort, grittiness, lapse in discipline or emotional control as examples.Player can definitely play at this level with only limitation being in depth at a similar position3A good performancePlayer made his share of mistakes/poor decisions, but they were countered by an equal number of good onesFactors within the game may have inhibited achieving a satisfactory evaluation on this playerClearly an average performance requires more observationPlayer warrants consideration as a candidate for this level ….continued

16Rep Tryout – THE PROCESS…rating definitions continued2A below average performanceBad plays/decisions outnumber good onesPlayer may have lacked effort and hustleMade errors costly to the teamAttitude, behavior and performance questionablePhysical and mental components were deficient and below averageThis player shows some potential but has definite limitations, which would not allow them to play at this level1Unacceptable performanceWell below acceptable standards. Not approaching level of competitionRequired or expectedSignificant, blatant deficiencies in all areasPlayer does not show signs of any potential to play at this level.

17Rep Tryouts – THE PROCESSAfter each session, the ratings are entered into a spreadsheet and averages are created for each player. Any irregularities are discussed immediately after the ice time and usually doesn’t affect the final placement.

18Rep Tryouts – THE PROCESSSeparate goalie-only evaluation session is also used with an independent goalie evaluatorBe aware not to hire one of the mainstream goalie consulting companies as their “clients” may be trying outDirector of Hockey Operations and head coaches are given some freedom to determine the size of their teamsBased on:Number of players trying outSkill depth at tryoutsWhere will players have the best chance of succeeding

19Rep Tryouts – THE PROCESSAfter 1st round of tryouts, teams keep the following number of players for the last stage of tryouts:A1: roster size + 5 skaters, 3 goaliesA2: roster size, 2 goaliesA3: roster size, 2 goaliesThe rest of the players are released to “C” evaluationsNext and final round of player selections are determined by the Head Coaches of each teamDirector of Hockey Operations is in close contact with coaches to monitor selections and provide support if neededEach team has enough time and players for practices and exhibition gamesCoaches are trusted and given the freedom to make the final decisions to shape the type of team they wantEach HC at each level needs to release 5 skaters and 1 goalie. Players released are automatically placed on the team below

20Rep Tryouts – THE PROCESSBenefitsWell-perceived by parents – perception of a fair process not influenced by just one individualLimits the number of times that a player is released in the tryout processInvolves the Head Coaches and still gives them the ability to have input as to the “style” of team they wantMany people involved in the process to insure players are initially placed where they should beAllows the association to take full ownership and control over the entire processExtremely efficient – 22 days from start to finishAllows more time for teams to begin skating as a team and prepare for the coming season

21Rep Tryouts – THE PROCESS…Benefits continuedSaves time along the wayUtilizes ice in a very efficient wayAllows players to become familiar with this tryout structureOne less thing to stress out about when trying out for U16Don’t need to start before Labour DayAllows for family vacation or extra hockey camps

22Rep Tryouts – THE PROCESSThings to be aware of during tryoutsDon’t be so quick to hire an “external consultant” to handle the tryoutsConsultants typically also have skill development camps and hockey schools – their “clients” may be trying outCharge association $75-$100 per evaluator per hour, but only pay the evaluator $20-$40KEEP THAT MONEY IN THE ASSOCIATIONConsultants won’t take the care and ownership of the process like the association willCan lead to complaints and a rushed process: lack of attention to detailNo such thing as too much communication to parents about tryouts

23Rep Tryouts – The Process…Things to be aware of during tryouts continuedHave enough people to help with set-up of tryouts (sign in, getting jerseys ready, creating evaluation sheets, etc)Go into the community to find evaluatorsFormer junior, college, or pro players that live in the communityCheck with the local sports stores for such leadsPotential source of future non-parent coachesToo much ice is wasted as a result of inefficient tryout processesA longer tryout process doesn’t make it betterImportant to follow the process as outlined in the Policies and ProceduresAvoids appeals and unhappy parentsTry to answer every possible objection or question a parent may have before tryoutscommunications, website postings, parents’ meeting

24House Team SelectionsDivision Managers begin the search of head coaches in July and AugustAll teams are staffed before player evaluationsCommunicate player evaluation dates and times in August via and website postingHouse player evaluations start immediately after the 1st stage of Rep Tryouts endsThat way players released from rep tryouts take part in the evaluation skatesWon’t put stress on the number of available volunteers within the associationWithin a 2-3 day period, two evaluation skates are given each player in each divisionHead coaches and one or two independent evaluators rate each player using the 1-5 method

25House Team SelectionsEveryone’s ratings are shared with all Head CoachesThe Division Manager with the support of the VP of House hold a player draftOnce teams are drafted, “balancing” games commence to make sure all “C” teams within association are somewhat close in skill levelCoaches try to manipulate the balancing process to make their teams appear weaker then they are. Ways around that include:Not allowing coaches to run their own benches during balancing gamesRolling lines or timed shiftsMaking sure all players are presentJudging to see if the top players are “holding back”The 5 skaters and 1 goalie in rep tryouts cannot be draftedDM’s place these players on the teams they deem to be less skilled during the balancing game processLimits the number of players that need to be moved to create balanced teams after the “C” draft

27Initiation Team SelectionsPart 1 – Spring AssessmentsAt the end of the season in March, each Head Coach ranks their playersA group of Head Coaches get together to create one Master List of players for the entire division in March

28Initiation Team SelectionsPart 2 – Summer Planning & CommunicationVP of Initiation beings to place/find head coaches and assistant coaches for each teamUse “Call For Volunteers” list as a toolAn example of some of the information we gather from families during the minor hockey registration processSchedules are created for the initiation assessments and for the regular season – communicated via and websiteTry not to conflict with local soccer association schedulesEnd of August skate – extra ice, not mandatorySeptember player assessmentsRegular season game and practice times3.5 hours each week of extra power skating and skill development sessionsFor all players40-50 kids on the ice at a timeRun by our Director of Hockey Operations and teams’ coaches

29Initiation Team SelectionsPart 3 – Fall AssessmentsAll players are required to participateThe spring assessment master ranking list is affirmed or adjusted where necessaryThe Division Managers take the updated lists and create “scrimmage groups” for further assessmentsTeams participate in “balancing games” to make sure teams are close in skill levelBalancing changes (at the discretion of the Division Managers) are made if necessaryHead Coaches are consulted throughoutTeams are then finalized

30Initiation Team SelectionsInitiation hockey is about “FUNdamentals”Teaching the fundamentals of the gameKeeping hockey fun for all the kidsAllow them to play with friends

31Sample start-of-season schedule (tryouts & evaluations)SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday12Labour Day3Atom Rep TryoutsSession 15:00-6:00pmWhite/Blue6:05-6:25pmParent Meeting6:30-7:30pmYellow/RedMidget Rep Tryout8:00-9:00pm9:05-9:25pm9:30-10:30pm4PWee Rep TryoutsBantamRep Tryout5Session 25:00-6:15pmWhite/Red6:30-7:45pmYellow/Blue8:00-9:15pm9:30-10:45pm67Atom Rep TryoutSession 3amBlue/RedpmWhite/YellowpmpmJuvy Rep TryoutpmAll payersGoalie Session (all divisions)pm8Similar schedule as on Sat 7th but for Pee Wee, Bantam, and Juvenile.Tryout groups from stage 1 posted online by 7pm9All rep teams start on reg season schedule.Juvy Session 3 and results posted online.Rep 24 hour rule10House evaluations startRep families may contact VP Rep to schedule “Feedback Exchange” meetings11House evaluations6:00-8:00pmRed tryout “Feedback Exchange” meetings121314Last day of house evaluations. Draft day.Initiation evaluations begin1516House teams start on regular season schedule. Balancing games commence1718192021By the 23rd or 24th, all rep teams would have made their final player selections. Those players released to “C” can then be place on “C” teams, based on how the balancing games have been going.

32Conclusion Take ownership of the tryout processCommunicate as much as possible with parents about tryouts and team selectionsGive as much notice as possibles, online, parent meetings, summer newsletters, etc.Make tryouts and team selections as efficient as possibleLeaves more ice time for teams to get goingQUESTIONS?THANK YOU!